Chapter 8 "Lieutenant Scheisskopf" Summary

Yossarian recalls his days as a cadet, when he and Clevinger served under a parade-loving, Lieutenant Scheisskopf. Clevinger suggests something to the Lieutenant, which would later prove instrumental to winning a parade competition, inadvertently embarrassing the officer for not having thought of the idea himself. To avenge Scheisskopf's newfound hatred of Clevinger, Yossarian takes to sleeping with the Lieutenant's wife. Clevinger is brought up on charges for attempting to undermine Lieutenant Scheisskopf's authority. The mockery of a trial finds Scheisskopf wearing three hats, acting as prosecutor, judge and defense. A loud, abusive Colonel presides over the case, allowing the accused to neither ask nor answer questions. Popinjay, the court recorder, runs afoul of the Colonel's wrath, inciting the Colonel to ask the young man whether or not his father is someone important in the government or administration. When Popinjay...